MOTHERWELL

JAMES McFADDEN admits he shrugged off advice from Davie Moyes to get coaching badges while in his Everton pomp.

But the “Cheeky Boy” claims his boss on Merseyside was right all along – and was key to landing him his first dugout post with Motherwell.

The former Scotland internationalist was named as Mark McGhee’s No.2 at Fir Park on Monday after Steve Robinson moved to become the manager of Oldham in the summer.

And Faddy revealed he owes a big part of his new adventure to Sunderland gaffer Moyes, who spotted something in his nature and advised the frontman to take courses during their two stints together at Goodison.

While he hasn’ta hung up his boots just yet, at 33 McFadden knows he’s closing in on the twilight of his career and hopes assisting McGhee can be the first proper step to life after playing.

He said: “When Davie was at Everton he was the one who told me to get my coaching badges as you never know what could happen but I thought I was too young.

“But I listened to what Davie had to say and that’s how my interest in the coaching side came about. He saw the way I was as a person.

“It’s not an act as I do try to help people and I want young boys to do well and succeed in football.

“Coaching was always something I said if I got the chance I would try it and I’m currently working towards my B licence assessment. Last year I helped Stevie Hammell and Brian Kerr with the Under-15s and I enjoyed that.

“Throughout your career as you get older younger players listen to you and look up to you and take your advice on board.

“It is just something Davie told me when I was younger, that you never know what’s round the corner.

“As a young player you can get injured and come out of the game at a young age and Davie told me to get my coaching badges to cover my back.

“I’m glad I listened to his advice and I’m glad of this opportunity and can’t wait to get really started.

“It has been a manic few days but I am enjoying it.

“I also spoke to Lee McCulloch who has gone in as assistant at Kilmarnock and Davie Weir who is the assistant at Rangers as they are both doing the same job.

“They were full of encouragement and told me to take the job. I’d kind of made my mind up anyway but it was nice to get reassurance from boys who are doing it.”

The 33 year-old, who is enjoying his third career spell in Lanarkshire, will also be registered as a player for the Steelmen.

McFadden insists he was still coming to terms and reeling with the shock of his appointment after initially thinking McGhee was pulling his leg.

He believes the opportunity has come much earlier than expected but Fir Park is the ideal place to cut his coaching teeth.

McFadden was set to go to America to